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Giveaways: One Chic Mama is giving away a mother/daughter set of Cambodian jingle bell anklets from Baby Emi Jewelry. Classy Mommy is offering up a $100 Toys R Us gift card + 5 Veggie Tales DVDs. MomFinds is giving away a giant gift basket from Neat Solutions.
Whether it’s a function of post-winter pounds or running in circles with mamas who lack the time to run for real, I’ve recently found myself amidst several episodes of collective discontent over muffin tops (as in, the unwanted roll that hangs over your jeans). To negotiate this problem, as well as that of rear crack or undie exposure, I’ve been recommending the hip-T. This shaped band of comfy stretch cotton covers the potential vulnerable zone between your outfit's top and bottom while creating a stylish, layered look. Offered in a variety of colors (some with lace trim…ooh la la!), you can breathe more comfortably in your clothes since the hip-T’s got your crack covered.
Want to win a hip-T*? Here’s how:
These days, Laurel is all about looking fancy and colorful (current favorite color = “pink and green and purple and blue and yellow and orange!”), and we’ve recently found a way to bridge her love of color and flounce with comfort through Twirly Girl’s bright and cheery clothing.
Mamas need to stick together, and former New Yorker Erin Brennan Allan and Nairobi native Mary Wambui are helping women do just that through Toto Knits. Featuring unbelievably cute hand knit sweaters and blankets for kids 3 months to 6T, the collection is ethically produced from start to finish. The cotton and wool are locally grown, spun, and dyed, then knit by a group of Kenyan women - many single mothers – who knit as a means to earn a living in an empowering, family friendly, and flexible environment. Their Safari Animal sweaters – all knit with little tails on the back – are particularly inspired.
Want to win a sweater from Toto Knits? Here’s how:
Laurel recently has grown particularly opinionated and independent regarding fashion; she wants to pick her outfit from the skivvies forward and dress herself. And while this new level of independence takes more time (particularly compared to my habit of dressing her based on what's on top of her clean, unfolded laundry pile), the slowdown is made up for by the ease with which she now chooses her shoes.
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Clever Parents encourages you to do your part through Operation Shower - baby showers for expectant and new moms whose husbands are deployed overseas. Moms’ Buzz features a video to help teach kids to give compliments. The Nest Baby is giving away a gift bucket from American Terry filled with a hooded towel, bubbles, toys, and more. MomFinds is offering up two Hip-Ts to cover your assets. And One Chic Mama is giving away a $100 gift certificate to Ann Taylor LOFT maternity.
Spring's sprouts may be taking their sweet time to appear, but thanks to See Kai Run's spring line you'll be seeing green in no time. Particularly spring fever worthy are their deliciously bold, jelly bean green Bent (shown) and ladylike, leafy green tulip-adorned Hannah shoes. And aside from being fresh and fun in look, these kicks get top marks for construction. The leather is super soft, the soles sturdy but flexible, the footbeds cushy, and – hugely important in my book – the toe box appropriately roomy for chubby little feet. These Velcro closure shoes are easy to get on, but they’re so cute and comfy that your kid likely won’t want to take them off.
Want to win a pair of See Kai Run shoes*? Here’s how:
One challenge for pregnant working women is finding maternity clothing that is stylish and well constructed, but doesn’t break the bank. When I was pregnant with Laurel and hunting for reasonably priced work pieces, I saw a troubling amount of highly flammable polyester construction that was ill reminiscent of the marching band and color guard (yes, color guard) uniforms I wore in high school. Designers are, thankfully, catching on to the need for affordable maternity style, and among the newcomers is the recently launched Ann Taylor LOFT maternity line.
These days, kid’s fashion can be so fabulous that I often find myself saying, “I wish they made that in grown-up sizes!” So it's refreshing to see that trend in reverse, as Clarks translates their grown-up shoe know-how - they design comfy shoes that span casual to dressy - to Clarks Kids. Available in sizes for new or seasoned walkers (ages 0-5), the line is particularly noteworthy for featuring soles that are grippy yet flexible and footbeds that are deliciously cushy and comfy. The collection's aesthetic is fairly traditional, with a generally sporty look for boys or floral/Mary Jane style for girls (i.e., no appliqué critters), but these shoes will easily take your tot from playground to party, just as a lot of their grown-up shoes can.
Whether you love the messy, tactile nature of art, kitchen, and garden projects with kids, or need a little inspiration to say yes to mess, check out Beansoup’s amazing aprons. Offered in a variety of beautifully patterned, machine washable styles to suit toddlers and kids (and soon, grownups too!), I’m especially crazy about the Cobbler’s Aprons. These 40’s inspired smocks are both functional – featuring 3 generous front pockets perfect for little tools – and chic. When the apron's not busy protecting your kid’s clothes, it's cute enough to double as part of their outfit.
Want to win a kid’s Beansoup apron*? Here’s how:
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Home, sweet, home: Submit your best nursery decorating tip to The Nest Baby and you could win a crib set of your choice from DwellStudio. Visit Coochicoos to learn more about the perfect playhouse design competition. Clever Parents offers a play list to groove - and get organized - to. MomFinds rounds up their favorite time saving products to use with baby, at home, and on-the-go.
While generally I believe in investing in key wardrobe pieces, one area that challenges me is bags. I love having a variety of styles to go with different outfits, and I just can’t stomach the idea of picking a single bag to drop a fortune on. And then when one of Laurel’s milk cups exploded inside the one designer tote I do own (a gift from a very generous friend…), I decided to look for alternatives.
For the most part, your kid probably isn’t trying to pick a food fight, but mealtimes sure can feel that way sometimes. And to serve the need for repeated tee changes with a dose of humor and sass, there’s food fight’s impressive menu of trendy onesies and tees for babies and kids. We especially dig their My Mommy is Wonder Woman unisex long-sleeved tee. This comfy, screen-printed thermal is a great weight for spring (or layered in chillier temps), and tells it like it is. You deserve props for scaling – among other things – superhuman piles of laundry.
Want to win a onesie/tee of your choice from food fight*? Here’s how:
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Cool finds: One Chic Mama recommends catapulting your feet into spring with Keds’ vintage-inspired hi-wedges. Clever Parents features Bonkiebags from Hollister and Newman. Healthy Bump loves Obli Organics’ 100% certified organic cotton outfits. MomFinds is giving away a green EuroTote just in time for St. Patrick's Day.
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Coochicoos has the details on how your kid’s favorite recipe (e.g., dinosaur soup) could be published in a book. MomFinds features their favorite rain gear picks for stylish kids. One Chic Mama reviews Otopia Organics body products for mamas and babies. Swanky Moms raves about Snap Totes. Clever Parents recommends the simplicity of Kushies baby toys. Classy Mommy offers a video review of Horizon organic milk. And Moms’ Buzz is giving away 10 pregnancy books.
There’s a lot of cool indie kid’s clothing out there, but Hand Picked Pumpkin’s designs (for 3 - 24 month-olds) are destined to rise to the top of your laundry pile. Choose from ready made clothing or build from scratch; simply select a garment style and size, then decide on fabulous fabric options using HPP's garment design tool. And if you can just pick one item, grab a hoodie. This piece is constructed of snugly, solid contrasting cottons for the body and lining, then accented smartly with patterned fabrics on the pocket, hood, and hood liner. The hoodie isn’t meant to be reversible, but it very well could be; it’s gorgeous whether right side or inside out.
Want to win a HPP hoodie*? Here’s how:
I’d venture to guess that for most of us, photos from childhood make it clear that soothing color palettes and stylish lines in kid’s fashion are a thing of the present (yes, I have photo evidence of a particularly woeful chartreuse floral shirt/blue plaid shorts combo, circa 1979). And little uni is decidedly part of this present. Their chic graphic appliqués come in a variety of favorite shapes set on soft cotton baby tees and one-pieces. Each design features a defining word, or you can personalize your favorite appliqué with your babe’s name.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Weekend reading: Clever Parents offers tips to clutter bust and overhaul your master bedroom. Modern Mom introduces its online book club; grab a book and join the fun. Moms’ Buzz demystifies lypossage – a body contouring massage you may want to try.
I’ll admit that I have a bit of a shoe problem (Jon’s still wondering where I plan on wearing a pair of snakeskin peep-toe pumps purchased in December…), and the evolution of kiddie shoes has created a whole new problem for me. Case in point: this month, Robeez broke from their soft-soled baby shoe mold to launch their Tredz line. Including a dizzyingly cute collection of sweet styles for girls and sporty looks for boys, these kicks are lightweight, easy to get (and stay put) on chubby little feet, and feature super cushy insoles and flexible, non-slip soles. These stylish shoes will withstand plenty of exploration on the tot lot, while allowing your babe to tread softly.
Want to be one of 2 winners to receive a pair of Robeez Tredz*? Here’s how:
Today, Kate reports on a local purveyor of glass treasures:
“With the holidays long gone and as the grey of winter persists, finding ways to keep shine and brightness in life becomes all the more important. Colorful accessories can add sparkle and happiness, and a small store in the Back Bay offers a beautiful selection of vibrant glass jewelry - rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair ornaments - that is both fun and elegant without being overly expensive. Lalo Treasures is a treat for the eyes: the cozy store is bright, welcoming, and colorful. Not to mention that Lalo's blend of materials makes for unusually durable jewelry (customers are encouraged to try on anything they want), making it terrific for moms with babes equally drawn to pretty baubles.”
Lalo Treasures, 255 Newbury Street, Boston; Tel: 617.437.6666
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Win it: Modern Mom is on location at Disney to kick off their Dream Vacation Giveaway. One Chic Mama is giving away a Gold Heart Envelope from Dante Beatrix packed full of beauty products. MomFinds is offering up a chance to win a Haute Kiley bag from HMR by Christine Price. Classy Mommy is giving away 4 board books from the Good Night Our World series.
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Moms’ Buzz offers pointers to help parents help their kids develop self-control. Clever Parents features Rachael Ray’s classic Bayou Fat Tuesday feast. MomFinds highlights a collection of politico tees and bodysuits for the tiniest citizens. One Chic Mama has raves for the hooded personalized bath towel from Alex Casey Baby. Healthy Bump reviews the Fun To See room makeover kit. And Classy Mommy takes a sneak peek into the 1st birthday gift bag for Patrick Dempsey's twins.
I’ve basically been indifferent to the love/hate Crocs debate, but when I first laid eyes on Polliwalks, I fell squarely in the love camp. And they’re even cuter - not to mention fun and functional - in real life. Available in four animal styles in a variety of cheerful colors, these clogs are lightweight, easy to slip on and off, and comfy (Laurel says). And each style features cute treads that leave animal prints during a walk on muddy or wet turf. Even as a big girl, sometimes Laurel wants to be carried around outside, but that’s never the case when she’s quacking around in her lemon yellow duck Polliwalks.
Want to win a pair of Polliwalks? Here’s how:
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Clever Parents details their top 5 tips for losing weight and feeling great while doing it. MomFinds has the scoop on the Hollywood buzz inspired by the spring Robeez collection. One Chic Mama features the Vicks Caring Tributes and Kiehl’s giveaway. And visit Moms’ Buzz to enter to win goodies from Hanes.
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Clever Parents invites you to crunch the numbers with their 2008 Smart Spending Grocery Challenge. Healthy Bump charts where the rest of that non-baby baby weight goes. MomFinds features six simple products to babyproof your home. Moms’ Buzz features the seven new wonders of the world for family travel. Modern Mom is hosting a toddler trouble photo contest. And One Chic Mama has raves for the SoRa charm necklace.
If you’re looking to beat the winter blues and simplify your laundry and morning routine, consider Little Miss Matched’s super cool sock spin-o-rama. Available for toddlers, kids, and adults, these 9-sock sets are color coordinated but intentionally mismatched in pattern. The bright and cheery palette can’t help but lift the spirits, and logistically these sets are a dream for mamas like myself who opt for extra sleep over properly folding and sorting laundry. Plus, it’ll be okay to hit the snooze button one more time in the morning because you’ll be able to draw a perfectly coordinating pair instantly…even with your eyes still closed.
Want to be one of two winners to receive a spin-o-rama? Here’s how:
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Save time and expense with the professional laundry tips featured on Moms’ Buzz. Clever Parents highlights a way to visit Santa without leaving home. Modern Mom’s got the dish on celebrity holiday plans. Healthy Bump reviews To The Nines Maternity’s holiday tops. Visit MomFinds to enter to win a $50 Gifts.com gift card. And One Chic Mama is giving away a BusyBodyBook.
We first heard about ipop my baby’s cheeky tech tees via a tip from Rebecca from Medford, and these tees are sure to be beloved by expecting iEnthusiasts. Printed on snugly 100% cotton onesies and tees in neutral or gender specific colors, ipop’s new iPhone-inspired onesie presents a “touch screen menu” of baby’s daily behaviors in colorful, modern style. The reality of early parenting couldn’t be farther from the ease of touch dialing a request for a hug or a nap, but these tees offer a good reminder of the simple daily joys of babyhood.
Want to be one of TWO winners to receive an ipop my baby tee? Here’s how:
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Books, books, and more books: Healthy Bump has raves for Easy Labor. One Chic Mama finds inspiration in I Love You More and Joy Is the Greatest Gift. And Clever Parents offers a fun idea to get those Christmas classics read and slow down with your family.
Today, Tracy reports on a fashionable yet highly functional apparel & accesories line for food allergic kids:
“The products offered by Blue Bear Aware are designed with food allergic kids (and their parents and caregivers) in mind. These shirts, badges, and accessories send a message about allergy alerts in style.
I freak in the presence of chic little details so it’s no surprise that I love Abe Jones, indie purveyor of kid apparel incorporating all the right trimmings. Their tees feature stylish, colorful graphics printed traditionally on the tee or via hand stitched patches (our favorite, Multi Guitar, has just sold out but we learned that the motif will return on yellow come spring). Other girl and boy pieces are designed to include ribbon trims or contrast fabrics that conjure a hip, vintage look and nature-inspired color palette.
Want to win an Abe Jones tee? Here’s how:
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Moms’ Buzz features tips for a stress-free holiday season. Modern Mom presents its holiday gift guide. Healthy Bump has raves for the Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow. Clever Parents reviews the First Adventures of Incredible You. Classy Mommy video reviews a glam holiday tee. And up for the winning are a Lillébaby EuroTote from MomFinds and a Kaboost seat from One Chic Mama.
As promised in an earlier feature on The Handbag
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Some princesses seem born and some made (my adorable girly-girl-from-day-one niece and tomboy-turned-butterfly-princess daughter offer good data here); either way, girls will find plenty of fancy at My Princess Closet.
As someone who prefers cute comfort, I’ll admit that part of the head to toe princess thing I don’t get is the itchy fabric factor. Luckily, for those who desire comfort and girly flounce, there's MPC’s Princess Ballerina Onezies. Available in lavender or pink, the 100% cotton bodysuit has an organza tutu and satin ribbon band cleverly sewn around the middle. Getting baby holiday fancy without them knowing there’s a fuss will be a breeze by pairing this onesie with cute patterned tights and a pretty knit cardigan.
Want to win a Princess Ballerina Onezie? Here’s how:
Raise your hand if you’ve ever dressed your kid in a fabulous holiday outfit that got covered in spills or spit up before you even got to grandma’s house.
As cute as fancy clothing is, for holiday travel, basic layers (and backups) are key. And in this vein, I was surprised to learn that there's more to Hanes than undies. In addition to parent resources, mom features (this month Travel Channel co-host Tracy Gallagher shares holiday travel survival tips), and kid activities, they’ve got a full line of comfy, inexpensive mix and match basics, including some impressively stylish tops. We especially dig the layered look tee collection for girls (shown, Hoot Parade) and the graphic octopus tee for boys.
And Hanes wants to hook one lucky winner up with comfy clothes! Here’s how to win a Hanes.com $50 gift certificate:
As joyous an occasion as baby showers are, the novelty of opening layette basics and other necessities wears off quickly. For a gift that undoubtedly will boost any baby shower with a heartfelt round of “aww’s!” check out the fashionable and functional layette bouquets by BabyBlooms. These gorgeous, artfully assembled pink, blue, and neutral toned bundles include flower buds rolled from an assortment of baby socks, hats, bibs, and onesies, interspersed with silk flowers and foliage. We especially love that the garments in their Natural Cream Bouquet are made from 100% organic cotton.
Want to win a BabyBlooms Natural Cream Bouquet? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “BabyBlooms” in the subject) and name another type of gift product available at BabyBlooms. Worldwide entrants welcome!
I don’t think Laurel has ever even seen a picture of a pumpkin pie, but yesterday she asked me to make one. Clearly, Thanksgiving is coming. And to get your tot festive for this or other occasions, check out One Lil’ Cupcake’s collection of handcrafted felt hairclips, including this crazy cute turkey clip. In addition to seasonal clips, the collection includes a variety of flowers, hearts, animals, desserts, fruits, and shapes. Each creation is based on a 1.25 inch snap clip and all designs can be adapted for big girls.
Want to win your choice of 3 hairclips? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Cupcake” in the subject) and name your favorite One Lil’ Cupcake seasonal design. US/Canada entrants welcome.
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Goods & Giveaways: Next time your little one hurts themselves, try the Boo-Bunny ice pack, recommended by Healthy Bump. One Chic Mama reviews Vincent pre-walkers. Visit Classy Mommy to win a pair of stylish fall shoes from Stride Rite. And MomFinds is offering a giveaway of two tees from Tiny Revolutionary.
Few items get as much use as a good tee, and new clothier Tin Tank offers a cool collection that will leave little boys screaming for more. Printed on heavyweight 100% cotton that will bear plenty of play, these tees feature smart, hip double-sided graphics. Boys undoubtedly will dig them, as will adults (who will be wondering when big people sizes will be available). One of our favorites is the ice cream truck design, which conjures the sweet memories of summer without spoiling your kid’s dinner.
Want to win a Tin Tank tee (winner picks size, Tin Tank picks style)? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Tin Tank” in the subject) and name your favorite Tin Tank design. US entrants welcome.
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Good to know: You can become part of Clever Parents’ Operation Shower, a baby shower for 60 Army moms taking place in Fort Hood, Texas on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Learn more about gestational diabetes, from Healthy Bump. And Moms’ Buzz can help you get up on your Halloween trivia, with their Halloween fun facts segment.
Babies need help easing into downtime, and we love the innovative styling of the new Downtime Sleepy hat. During waking hours, this super soft, breathable 100% organic pima cotton cap keeps baby’s head cozy; when it’s time to wind down (or stay down), the fold-down “sleep mask” blocks out light and distraction. The cap edging is perfectly shaped for little noses and the closed eyelash embellishments signal to the world that your baby is down for the count (i.e., not available for poking and p